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Stellar Haddock Fishing on Stellwagen Bank
- Published Date: December 12, 2025
- Fishing
- Cape Cod
- Updated Date: December 14, 2025
Summary
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Haddock Hauls and Views
Full Day Haddock Fishing: Stellwagen's Bounty
Ready to reel in some of the tastiest fish in New England waters? Our full-day haddock trip takes you straight to the action on Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. Spring is prime time for these silver-sided beauties, and we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at bottom fishing for the first time, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your sea legs and let's hit the grounds where the haddock are thick!
What's the Deal with This Trip?
Picture this: You're cruising out of the harbor as the sun's coming up, sipping your morning coffee and feeling that salty breeze. We're talking about a full day on the water, folks - that means plenty of time to find the hot spots and fill the cooler. We'll be fishing the legendary Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay, two of the most productive fishing grounds in the Northeast. Don't sweat the gear - we've got all the bait and tackle you'll need to get those haddock biting. And hey, while we're out there, don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species like redfish, pollock, or even a cusk. It's all part of the adventure!
How We Fish These Waters
Alright, let's talk tactics. Haddock fishing is all about working the bottom, and we've got it down to a science. We'll be using specialized bottom rigs - think heavy sinkers and multiple hooks baited up with clams or squid. When we find a school, it's drop and hop time. You'll feel that distinctive tap-tap of a haddock bite, and then it's fish on! We'll show you how to work your rod to keep those fish coming up. It's not uncommon to have double or even triple headers when we hit the motherlode. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of a cooler full of fresh haddock at the end of the day. Just remember, these fish fight hard for their size, so be ready for some arm-pumping action!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Haddock: These guys are the stars of the show. Haddock are cousins to cod, but many folks will tell you they taste even better. They average 3-5 pounds, but we sometimes see lunkers pushing 10 pounds or more. Haddock have a distinctive black "thumbprint" mark and a smaller mouth than cod. They school up in spring as they move inshore to spawn, which is why April and May are prime time. These fish put up a scrappy fight and make for some of the best fish and chips you'll ever have.
Redfish: Also known as ocean perch, these bright red beauties are a treat to catch. They're usually found in deeper water and put up a good tussle for their size. Redfish are slow-growing and long-lived, so we practice careful catch and release with the bigger ones. The meat is white and flaky, perfect for a fish fry.
Pollock: These aggressive feeders can really make your reel sing. Pollock are sleek, silver fish that often hunt in schools. They're known for their hard strikes and powerful runs. While we're primarily after haddock, hooking into a big pollock can be the highlight of the day. They're excellent eating too, with a slightly stronger flavor than haddock.
Cusk: The deep-water dwelling cusk is a bit of a mystery fish to many anglers. They're eel-like in appearance and can grow to impressive sizes. Cusk are known for their strong, bulldogging fights as you bring them up from the depths. While not as common as our other catches, landing a cusk is always a cool surprise that'll have everyone on board coming over for a look.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Let's be real - there's something special about haddock fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of feeling that first bite of the day. Or the satisfaction of a well-filled fish box as we head back to port. Could be the stories and laughs shared with new friends on board. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of getting under your skin. And let's not forget the payoff - fresh haddock fillets that'll make you the hero of your next fish fry. Trust me, once you've tasted haddock this fresh, you'll be marking your calendar for next spring before we even hit the dock.
Time to Get Your Fish On
So there you have it, folks - a full day of primo haddock fishing on some of the most productive grounds in the Northeast. We're talking world-class bottom fishing, the chance to fill your cooler with delicious fish, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Spring only comes once a year, and these haddock won't wait around. So what do you say? Ready to join us for some rod-bending, fish-catching action? Grab your spot on the boat now, and let's make some fishing magic happen. The haddock are calling, and it's time to answer!
Learn more about the animals
Cusk
Cusk are an interesting deep-water catch, typically hanging out beyond 600 feet. These slow-growing fish can reach up to 48 inches and 45 pounds, with a unique eel-like appearance. Look for them along the ocean bottom, especially in winter and spring. Cusk are sluggish swimmers, making them a bit easier to land once hooked. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their firm, slightly oily meat that's great for grilling or frying. To catch cusk, we'll be using heavy-duty bottom fishing gear with natural baits like clams or squid. Here's a tip: since they're weak swimmers, once you feel a bite, start reeling steadily - no need for hard hooksets. While they're often bycatch when fishing for cod or haddock, targeting cusk can be a fun change of pace for something a bit different.
Haddock
Haddock are a tasty cold-water fish we target here in the spring, usually April and May. They average 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds, preferring deep, cold waters around 36-50°F. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom over sandy areas, pebbles, and broken shells. Haddock put up a decent fight and are prized for their mild, slightly sweet flavor. To target them, we'll be fishing deep with heavy weights and bait. Fresh clams, ragworms, or squid work great. If you're using artificial lures, small 5-7 oz jigs can be effective. Here's a local tip - use a braided line for better sensitivity when drift fishing baits. And keep an eye out for that distinctive black "thumbprint" on their sides!
Pollock
Pollock are strong fighters that'll give you a real workout. These fish typically run 40-47 inches, with some monsters hitting 51 inches. You'll find them in deeper waters, usually 100-400 feet down, especially around rocky areas. They're most active in the cooler months, making spring and fall prime pollock seasons. Anglers love targeting these fish for their powerful runs - make sure you've got sturdy boots with good ankle support, or you might get dragged along! For bait, try sand eel or black minnow imitations. A local trick: fish early morning or evening when the tide's running strong. Adjust your lure weight to keep it connected in the current, then try some jigging action as you retrieve. Pollock meat is darker than some other fish, but don't let that fool you - it's great eating, especially when fresh.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a prized catch in our area. These fish typically run 28-33 inches but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in very shallow water - sometimes their backs are even exposed above the surface! They love hanging around oyster reefs, seagrass, and structures like old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Anglers enjoy targeting redfish for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To up your odds, try fishing topwater lures like walk-the-dog style baits in the shallows early morning or late evening. The explosive surface strikes are a blast. If you want to land a big one, don't be afraid to upsize your lure to 5-6 inches. Just remember to check regulations, as redfish are a protected game fish in many areas now.
About the Endeavor Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
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